After nearly 4 years of fundraising by the people of Jewell and surrounding communities, they were notified Friday that the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) approved a $675,000 Community Attraction & Tourism (CAT) grant. The 55 page application was submitted to the CAT Grant review committee on September 3rd. On Friday the review committee unanimously approved the application and forwarded it to the entire IEDA Board, which also unanimously approved it. The IEDA released the following statement:
“I am pleased to inform you that the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board has reviewed your application and intends to award the City of Jewell a Community Attraction & Tourism (CAT) Grant of $675,000 on behalf of the South Hamilton Area Pool & Exercise (SHAPE) project.”
The announcement culminates a $2.6 million fundraising effort that will provide current and future children of all ages many years of exercise and water safety education.
The 55 page application was prepared by several local supporters including Jewell City Clerk Regina Beaune, Darcy Swon Enhance Hamilton County Foundation, Ottie Maxey and Brenda Dryer with the Ames Regional Economic Alliance and Burbach Aquatics.
Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance) provided input on behalf of the entire Alliance organization.
Alaina Santizo with the IEDA was extremely helpful in the preparation.
Every community and many businesses surrounding Jewell provided letters of support.
The CAT grant is the largest ever received by any Hamilton County entity.
Pictured from left to right are Aaron Boor(Jewell City Council), Janet Young, Rick Young, Ottey Maxey (Ames Regional Economic Alliance).